Sign in using App Passwords

An App password is a 16-digit passcode that gives an app or device permission to access your Google Account. If you use 2-Step-Verification and are seeing a “password incorrect” error when trying to access your Google Account, an App password may solve the problem. Most of the time, you’ll only have to enter an App password once per app or device, so don’t worry about memorizing it.

Note: If you have iOS 8.3 or greater on your iPhone or OSX 10.10.3 on your Mac, you will no longer have to use App passwords to use 2-Step Verification when using the Gmail or any Google branded Apps from iTunes. Using the Google option on the native iOS mail client also does not require App passwords.

When you sign up for 2-Step Verification, we normally send you verification codes. However, these codes do not work with some apps and devices, like Outlook. Instead, you’ll need to authorize the app or device the first time you use it to sign in to your Google Account by generating and entering an App password.

If you're using an app not made by Google and can't sign in, that app's sign-in process might not be secure. If there's a corresponding Google app, we recommend using it instead. For example, if you can't sign in to an email app, use the Gmail app.

Step 1: Create an App Password for Outlook

An App Password allows 2-Step Verification users to access their account from apps or devices that do not support verification codes or other verification methods.

Visit your App passwords page. You may be asked to sign in to your Google Account.

At the bottom, click Select app and choose the app you’re using.

Click Select device and choose the device you’re using.

Click Generate.

Follow the instructions to enter the App password (the 16 character code in the yellow bar) on your device.

Click Done.

After you click done, you won’t see that App Password code again. Don't worry, you only use each password once. You can always generate a new App Password whenever you’re asked for one--even for a device or application you’ve authorized before.

Step 2: Update your Google Account information in Microsoft Outlook

If Microsoft Outlook still asks for your username and password, use the App Password you generated in Step 1 in the password field.

If the dialogue box asking for a username and password is no longer showing up, you can add your App Password to this account by going to File>Info>Account Settings>Account Settings.

In the dialogue box that pops up, click Change in the Email tab, and enter your App Password in the password field. Click Next, and follow the steps to finish.

I’m adding a Google Account to Microsoft Outlook for the first time and I use 2-Step Verification

Step 1: Create an App Password for Outlook

An App Password allows 2-Step Verification users to access their account from apps or devices that do not support verification codes or other verification methods.

Visit your App passwords page. You may be asked to sign in to your Google Account.

At the bottom, click Select app and choose the app you’re using.

Click Select device and choose the device you’re using.

Click Generate.

Follow the instructions to enter the App password (the 16 character code in the yellow bar) on your device.

Click Done.

After you click done, you won’t see that App Password code again. Don't worry, you only use each password once. You can always generate a new App Password whenever you’re asked for one--even for a device or application you’ve authorized before.

Step 2: Add your App Password to Microsoft Outlook

If this is your first time configuring Microsoft Outlook, a dialogue box should pop up asking for your username and password. Instead of typing in your password for your Google Account, type in the App Password you generated in Step 1.

If you already have an account on Microsoft Outlook and you're adding another one, go to File>Info, and click Add Account. In the password field, enter your App Password. Click Next, and follow the steps to finish. Be patient, as the process might take a few minutes.

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